Dying machine...

[kalvnhobbz]

My friend had a computer that was running fine for several months, but one it freezes at the Windows XP login screen. He restarts, and that's where all the problems started...

The computer gets past the "Windows XP" screen (with the scrolling blue bar), but then goes blank and no further. Plus, you know the "memory testing" line that shows up on boot? It usually takes maybe a second to scan all the RAM, but now it's really slow and jerky. Sometimes it goes fast, but the computer never boots. Even the bios setup menu is really slow - it can take several seconds just to load and redraw a new menu.

It's a 2500+ xp cpu, 512mb ram (I tried taking it out and reseating it - no luck. Also tried switching slots, only one stick, etc.), on a Shuttle MN31 (nForce)... any ideas? I've also tried clearing the cmos.

 

[madisonjam85]

looks like its time for a format and reinstall...

 

[Falls Included]

yeah format, and reinstall the bios...

 

[phasmatis_nox]

Try memtest86, RAM could be bad.

 

[theNoid]

ahh fun with computers ...

 

[Phoenix86]

Plus, you know the "memory testing" line that shows up on boot?

I hope you don't mean that bar AFTER XP starts, that isn't scanning the RAM. The only 'scan' done at boot is one by BIOS, which these days only counts your RAM. There are BIOS settings that will check your RAM (counts it slowly) as it boots, but most mobos disable that by default. Honeslty I'm not sure that's a common option anymore either...

If you suspect the RAM run memtest86 as mentioned. Other than that if they machine is locking up on boot it may be time for a format/reinstall. If it's the RAM, no amount of formatting will fix that, so test the RAM first.